This Week In Island History

The news of 10 and 15 years ago is from the Jamestown Press. The news of 100 years ago came from the collection of the Newport Historical Society.

100 years ago

From the Newport Journal, April 17, 1914

Lighter Utility of Newport is at work in the west bay today, on the cable between Fort Getty and Fort Kearny.

Although ice forms to the thickness of glass nearly every night, the farmers are putting in their seed potatoes.

The Idlers gave a dance in the Gardner House hall Monday evening, music being furnished by Peckham’s orchestra. There was a good attendance.

75 years ago

From the Newport Daily News, April 19, 1939

At the PTA meeting, a play, “Harassing Harry,” was presented. Mr. Shaw, manager of the Newport branch of the New England Telephone Company, and his assistant, were introduced. They gave reels of moving talkies and showed the intricate workings of the telephone in many lands, on the sea and in the air. A motion was made that the suggested matter of a roller skating rink be laid upon the table until the next meeting.

From the Newport Daily News, April 20, 1939

Timber piles for two principal piers will be driven this week on the Jamestown-Saunderstown bridge. On the shore ends, the 32 piers and 36 pile bents for the approaches are being set.

50 years ago

From the Newport Daily News, April 16, 1964

The Jamestown Recreation Center will close afternoons, commencing on Monday. It will be open from 6:30 to 9 p.m. only, the recreation commission decided Tuesday night at the center.

From the Newport Daily News, April 21, 1964

The Citizens Advisory Committee, named by the Jamestown Town Council to arrange housing for the elderly and for other purposes, held an organization meeting last night in Town Hall.

25 years ago

From the Jamestown Press, April 21, 1989 [inaugural issue]

(Editorial comment) The news and editorial content will be devoted to our island and its school, Town Council, Fire and Police departments and our youth. The Jamestown Press size is naturally dependent upon the amount of advertising we can place in each edition.

(Photo caption) Aerial photo provides a great view of the old Jamestown Bridge and the new Jamestown Bridge

15 years ago

From the Jamestown Press, April 15, 1999

The state Department of Environmental Management hopes that it and the town can soon sign off on a memorandum of understanding pertaining to a fisheries laboratory that agency now plans to start constructing at Fort Wetherill State Park in the late fall.

The cast and crew of the television show “Providence” were expected to film scenes in Jamestown.

10 years ago

From the Jamestown Press, April 15, 2004

Town Councilors Monday proclaimed James A. McLoughlin of Circuit Avenue as a community hero in conjunction with a statewide recognition of his “everyday good works.”

The Town Council last week postponed action on a noise ordinance until at least one more workshop, expected to be set in May, on various aspects of several issues involved.